Monday, September 8, 2014

Holy Terror Days recap

We (meaning hubby and I) had a great time in Keystone at the
Holy Terror Days. Here’s a quick recap.

I had the privilege of attending a meeting of the Chapter
(Eastern Star) that Carrie Ingalls belonged to for 35 years. I met some
wonderful people and got reacquainted with others I had met before.

Mt. Aetna Chapter of Keystone now meets in Hermosa.

The historian of the church to which Carrie belonged met
with me and allowed me to search through their records. It was neat to see this
church, as it is the original building and still has the same seats. They also
still have the original pulpit, although it is not used as such any longer.

Original seats.

Original pulpit now holds the guest book.

Stopping at the museum to see what we could do to help get
ready, we met Bill Anderson, author of so many informative books about Laura Ingalls Wilder
and her family, and had a really nice visit. He told me something about my book
that I didn’t know myself. On page 156, there is a copy of a note Laura wrote
to her Chapter before moving from De Smet, asking for a demit so that she could
join another Chapter where they settled. Mr. Anderson said that is the earliest
known extant letter of Laura’s (not to be confused with the earliest known
writing of Laura’s), which I had not been aware of.

We had dinner at Ruby House with the cast.

Saturday I didn’t get around much as I was set up
selling/signing books. That was okay, though - hey, I was selling books!- as I got to visit with Sandra Hume and Lila Lytle between signings. My table and I were photographed by a local news crew
and a local travel magazine crew. (One of those photos is here.) And I did see
the parade in the morning.

Sandra Hume took this photo.

Sunday I didn’t set up, so that I could do the fun stuff,
like getting autographs. Lindsay Greenbush even wrote me a thank you message,
which was special.

Lindsay Greenbush (Carrie)

Surprisingly, after meeting me for only about two minutes the day
before, Hersha Parady recognized me. Wish I had her memory!

Hersha Parady (Mrs. Garvey)

Charlotte Stewart signed
my original Beadle Bag for the third time. (That one’s been around since 2012.)
She donates 10% of the profits to organizations that provide treatments for
underprivileged women with breast cancer. Isn’t that terrific? With all the
cancer in my family, I really appreciate it.

Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)

After the Q & A session, I had
a brief visit with Radames Pera about Freemasonry. Did you know that the Jimmy
Kimmel show is filmed in an old Masonic Temple? Neither had I.

Radames Pera (John Jr.)

Oh, and Alison Arngrim confirmed that she will be in Austin next April! Yes! And she
graciously signed a bookmark for me, because I already have her book and photos
from previous events (this is a business for them, after all, and you’re really
not supposed to ask them to sign anything you don’t purchase).

Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)

Check out the chairs the cast sat in for the signings. They are the chairs from the original Masonic Lodge that Carrie and her husband David Swanzey belonged to. Since the signings were in the old Lodge building, it seemed appropriate. Alison Arngrim is sitting in the Master's chair. I'm sure Nellie wouldn't have it any other way!

Next weekend I’ll be in Pepin, Wisconsin for Laura Days.
Would love to see you there!

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Hi there! I’m Teresa Lynn, a reader and writer based in central Texas. Welcome to my blog, in which I will focus on my own scratchings, as well as other aspects of life.
My book Little Lodges on the Prairie: Freemasonry & Laura Ingalls Wilder was published in 2014. Among my works in progress is a novel which explores why some people find wonderful or terrible events a reason to find faith, while others find those same events a reason to lose faith. I’m a member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association, Women Writing the West, and Story Circle Network.
As a 7th generation Texan and with a deep interest in history and genealogy, I am a member of the Daughters of The Republic of Texas. With an equal interest in nature and our environment, I'm a Texas Master Naturalist. I'm also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Dear hubby and I have been married for 25 years, and have two grown daughters. We love to travel so you might find us anywhere, but we are based in central Texas.